Obituary: Robert ‘Bob’ Allison Costner Jr.

Robert “Bob” Allison Costner Jr., age 81, of Oak Ridge, died Monday, February 9, at Methodist Medical Center.

He is survived by his wife, Frances N. Costner, with whom he celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in November; daughters and sons-in-law, Eloise (Robert F.) Brockett of Hixson, Tennessee, and Alison (Daniel J.) Higgins of Severna Park, Maryland; granddaughters, Melissa Brockett and Gabriella Higgins; and grandson, Joshua Higgins.

Bob was born November 29, 1933, in Lincolnton, North Carolina, to Robert A. Costner Sr. and Eloise Batchelor Costner.

Bob was a graduate of the McCallie School of Chattanooga, North Carolina State University, and the Oak Ridge School of Reactor Technology (ORSORT). He was a “Distinguished Air Force ROTC Graduate” at North Carolina State, graduating in 1955 with a degree in nuclear engineering.

While serving in the U.S. Air Force, he was assigned to the AF Nuclear Engineering Test Reactor Program Office at the Wright Air Development Center in Dayton, Ohio. He was sent to ORSORT and remained at Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL) to participate in the startup and initial operation of the Oak Ridge Research Reactor (ORR). After his discharge from the Air Force, he returned to ORNL, where he worked for the Operations Division engaged in research reactor operation and in technical support of such operation. In 1970, he left ORNL for employment at TVA’s engineering division in Knoxville.

During the next 19.5 years, he performed engineering work on the then-planned seven nuclear power plants. In 1990, after taking early retirement from TVA, he returned to Oak Ridge for employment with the General Engineering Division, where he worked on safety analysis activities involving ORNL, the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant, and the Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant. In 1994, after taking a second retirement, he worked for four years with PAI Inc. Subsequently, he became active with the Friends of ORNL. He very much enjoyed reading history and working/playing with his computer.

After retirement, Bob and Frances enjoyed traveling within the U.S., as well as Europe. The highlight was a river cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest.

Bob enjoyed attending American Nuclear Society meetings and always looked forward to seeing his friends from different work sites for monthly breakfast meetings.

He had been a member of First United Methodist Church of Oak Ridge since 1975. He took great pride and enjoyment in his family.

The Costner family would like to express their thanks for all the care expressed by many family members and friends, but especially the countless hours shared by Sharon Ramey and Dan Wilson.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, February 12, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at Weatherford Mortuary. The funeral will follow at 4:30 p.m. with Rev. Troy Forrester officiating. Family and friends will meet on Friday, February 13, at 1 p.m. at Oak Ridge Memorial Park for a graveside service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to First United Methodist Church, 1350 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge, TN 37830 or to the Salvation Army National Headquarters, PO Box 269, Alexandria, VA 22314.

An online guest book can be signed at www.weatherfordmortuary.com.